“Fantastic Four”- Justin Paton Earns GMA

By Jay M. Woodward
NNED Publications Coordinator

The evening of August 14 was a special one at First Assembly in Auburn, New Hampshire. Justin Paton of Outpost #11 was honored for earning the coveted Gold Medal of Achievement (GMA) Award, becoming the 40th young man in the Northern New England District, as well as the fourth in Outpost #11 to earn his GMA, following Ryley Paquette, Steven Kroh, and Nathan MacGilvary. Indeed, he is in select company, becoming the fourth member of OP #11’s “Fantastic Four!”

It was a lot of hard work and dedication that got Justin to his GMA. He began his involvement in Rangers at the age of nine at the church he and his family were attending in Easton, Pennsylvania. In 2004, his family moved to Derry, and he became involved in OP #11. Justin is also a member of Frontiersman Camping Fellowship (FCF) and earned the nickname “Twenty Pieces” for his ability to eat twenty (small) pieces of Dutch Oven pizza at an FCF event! Justin also participated in several junior leadership camps that allowed him to earn his Saber. These opportunities have enabled him to grow Mentally, Physically, Socially, and Spiritually. Indeed, his involvement in Rangers has made him, in a word, “READY”!

That Saturday evening, friends, family members, and Commanders came to congratulate Justin for his accomplishment. He was treated to a standing ovation as he was escorted into the sanctuary by the NNED Security Color Guard, and took his place atop the stage, where he and the audience were treated to a slide show of Justin’s Quest for the GMA, set to music performed by Pastor Russ Greenwood. Pastor Russ, himself a GMA recipient, was also the Guest Speaker that evening, and gave words of admiration and advice to Justin for his accomplishment! Then, Commanders John MacGilvary, Ken Kroh, and Senior Commander Wayne Sawyer read congratulatory letters from National Director Doug Marsh, President Obama, former President George W. Bush, Governor John Lynch, Congressman Paul Hodes and Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter, as well as a proclamation from the New Hampshire Senate. State Representative Todd Smith read a proclamation from the New Hampshire House, and presented Justin with a New Hampshire State Flag that was flown over the State House in his honor! NNED Men’s Ministries Director Ed Shearer also presented Justin with a United States flag that was flown over the U.S. Capitol in his honor. Justin was also given several gifts from FCF, including a hand-made chair crafted by Commander Bruce just for Justin, which he placed by his side for the remainder of the ceremony.

District Director Jerry Love then gave words of admiration and praise for Justin, as well as words of caution and encouragement for his future journey. Commander Jerry also announced that this was his last GMA ceremony and last event as District Director, but also said that this evening was not about him, but about Justin. Then, it was time for the big prize to be handed out. Commander Jerry led Justin and previous GMA recipients Ryley, Steven, and Pastor Russ in the GMA pledge, then presented the GMA medal, with his proud mother having the honor of pinning it on her son! Then Commander Jerry presented Justin with the yellow NNED GMA Jacket, which he put on and wore with pride! And if that wasn’t enough, Pastor Ed presented Justin with a plaque from the District Office, in addition to a plaque from his own Outpost, to hang proudly on his wall! Justin then gave some brief remarks and gave thanks to his parents and the Commanders and boys who helped him along the way. Finally Commander Bruce then read his own letter to Justin, expressing his admiration for the man of God he has become. Following the closing prayer from Pastor Ed, it was time for the reception, which included snacks, refreshments, and of course, Justin’s GMA Cake!

Beginning Fall 2010, Justin will be attending Paul Smith’s College in upstate New York, and is also interested in pursuing a career as a conservation officer. The time he has spent in Rangers has helped equip him for his future, and prepared him to become a great man of God!

Congratulations, Justin! NNED is proud of you!